Fix National Teams
To have real teams, go to "C:\Program Files\Sports Interactive\Football Manager 2008\data\db\800\lnc\all" and delete file entitled "fake.lnc" (You may wish to put it in a safe place as backup if needed) then delete the file "fake.lnc" and when you start a new game the countries effected will have the proper squad. All this file does it put a "mask" on the national teams effected and once you remove it will get rid of the mask.
April Fools Joke
If your computer's clock is at April 1st and the in-game clock is at April 1st (i.e. 2009/2010 season at April 1st) then you will receive a message stating your board is willing to offer you 500 million pounds in transfer funds and a new season. Depressingly, when accepted it's revealed to be a little April Fools joke from Sports Interative.